Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also saw the announced delivery of French reconnaissance tanks as an important signal to other Western countries. “France is taking defense support to Ukraine to a new level and I thank President (Emmanuel) Macron for this leadership,” Zelenskyy said in his video address on Wednesday night.
“This sends a clear signal to all our partners: There is no rational reason why Western-style tanks have not been delivered to Ukraine so far.” Macron promised Zelenskyy delivery of the AMX-10 RC tank on Wednesday. The wheeled tank with a large gun is mainly used for reconnaissance. It was initially unclear how many tanks France plans to hand over to Ukraine by when. According to the Élysée Palace, these were the first Western-style main battle tanks delivered to the Ukrainian armed forces.
Other Western tanks also received
However, Ukraine has received other Western tanks in the past, albeit more of the troop carrier type, such as the US model M113 – a smaller tracked vehicle. Germany also supplied Ukraine with 30 Gepard anti-aircraft tanks. Ukraine attacked by Russia has not yet received a full-fledged Western main battle tank, such as the French model Leclerc or the German Leopard.
The US government is considering supplying Bradley armored personnel carriers to Ukraine. According to the US military, the armored tracked vehicles usually have a cannon, a machine gun and armor-piercing missiles. US President Joe Biden said yes on Wednesday to a reporter’s question whether the government is considering supplying the armored personnel carriers to Ukraine. He gave no details. It was initially unclear which model variant of the “Bradley” would be suitable for Kiev.
The US is already supplying Ukraine with several heavy weapon systems, including the Himar-type multiple rocket launchers, which sometimes inflict heavy casualties on Russian forces. During Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyj’s visit to Washington shortly before Christmas, Biden also pledged to provide Ukraine with a Patriot air defense system.
Source: Krone
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